Extreme anxiety, also known as panic attacks, refer to sudden attacks of fear that lead to such symptoms as a pounding heartbeat, nausea, flushing and dizziness. Sometimes, panic attacks can lead to the feeling of doom, and MayoClinic.com says that sufferers may develop chest tightness and trouble swallowing. Fortunately, some drugs can decrease these symptoms.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine, a drug commonly sold as Sarafem, Prozac or Selfemra, specifically treats extreme anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, says Drugs.com. Fluoxetine is in a category of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which balance the brain chemical serotonin to decrease anxiety. Some of fluoxetine's minor side effects include drowsiness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth and a decreased sex drive. Serious side effects include blistering or peeling of the skin, diarrhea, a loss of appetite and hallucinations. It is vital to call a doctor when fluoxetine leads to these effects. Having such diseases as seizures, epilepsy, cirrhosis and bipolar disorder may require a decrease in fluoxetine's dose. Fluoxetine is a capsule or liquid taken daily or as a physician prescribes.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine, commonly sold as Effexor, is another medication that treats extreme anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. MedlinePlus says that venlafaxine is in a group of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; it balances the brain chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain so that extreme anxiety decreases. Some of venlafaxine's minor side effects include nightmares, a headache, twitching, muscle tightness, ringing in the ears and a sore throat. Serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, hallucinations, seizures and chest pain. It important to phone a doctor when venlafaxine leads to these effects. Taking such drugs as ketoconazole, paroxetine, phentermine or cimetidine may require a decrease in venlafaxine's dose. This medication is an extended-release capsule taken two to three times daily.
Alprazolam
Alprazolam, typically sold as Niravam or Xanax, is a benzodiazepine medication that also balances brain chemicals such as serotonin. Drugs.com says that some of alprazolam's minor side effects include blurry vision, trouble sleeping, amnesia, drowsiness and irritability. Major side effects include agitation, decreased urination, hallucinations and a decrease in sex drive. It is important to call a doctor when alprazolam leads to these effects. Having glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, depression or bronchitis may require a decrease in alprazolam's dose. Alprazolam is a tablet or liquid taken daily or as a doctor recommends.
